Chapter 87 of 143

Chapter 80: The fruits of training.

By TASTYLEADPAINT • 4,432 words • Code: NV-4lsEUpj

My eyes slowly fluttered open. Damn, that was an amazing night that I don’t think I will forget, and I don’t think she will ever forget it as well. I slowly turned over to see Sally who was still sleeping softly next to me. I gently patted her belly, causing a small sleepy moan to escape her. Unlike the other one, she didn’t grow as much, and judging by how gently she slept, it wasn’t bothering her much as well . Seeing her like this reminds me of Apollinaris. I wonder how she’s doing….

Apollinaris Pov:

I scanned the room for any signs of life. But there was nothing except the biting cold and the howl of the artificial blizzard. Sharp, jagged mounds of ice dotted the room, making everything feel so alien. However, the alien terrain was a blessing. The mounds made for great protection from any unsuspecting attack.

I slowly walked across the ground. The sounds of the snow crunching below my feet and the howling wind assaulted my ears, keeping me on edge. Which was good because he was out there. Hiding among the snow and ice. This was his element, his playground. I was the intruder into his domain.

The howling wind picked up again as the, artificial blizzard picked up again, sending loads of sharp, icy wind past my face.

Cold resistance increased from Moderate to High.

I shook my body. My body started to warm up a bit more, making the chill easier to deal with. Having the cold be less distracting will be useful when I-

My head shot to the left just in time to see a shard icicle fly past my head. Reflexively, my hand pointed in the direction of the attack. Green mana surrounded my fingertips briefly before suddenly unleashing a hail of seeds in the direction of the attack. Thousands of seeds a second flew out of my fingertips. The seeds tore through mounds of ice and snow like a hot knife through butter.

I dropped my hand and bolted towards the now torn-apart mound of ice. Green mana flowed down my arms and towards the mana projectors on my body, surrounding me in a faint green bubble. Soon, more icicles flew towards me and harmlessly smacked into my shield. Amazing spell. It's too bad it eats mana like something else. I'll need to end quickly. I rushed deeper into the blizzard. More and more icicles came towards me, getting faster and faster. I was getting close. I squinted into the blizzard and noticed a large ice boulder in front of me.

<Bingo>

I could see icicles curving out and towards me from behind it. I lunged forward like a wild animal into the boulder, smashing it and sending chunks of ice flying off in all directions, revealing Andre.

“There you are!” I yelled as I dropped the bubble and sent my fist towards him. He chuckled as he easily jumped back.

“You wish to fight in melee range? Haha, how foolish!” he held out his hand and a trident made of water formed. I skidded to a stop and diverted all the mana to the projectors in my arm. Suddenly, two green blades formed. I lunged forward. Andre raised his trident just in time for me to clash into him

“Very aggressive good. However”

Andre swiftly raised his leg and gave me a kick that sent me skidding across the ice. Before I could react, he pounced, throwing his trident at me. I ducked to the ground as it sailed over my head. Mana flowed to my fingertips again as I got to my feet and jumped backwards. Whilst in the air, I pointed my fingertips towards him and sent a hailstorm of seeds towards him.

“I hate this spell of yours!” he yelled as he bolted to the right, ducking and dancing in between the snow mounds and icebergs. I landed on the ground and kept up the attack. The constant storm of seeds kept him busy, unable to do anything but dodge. However, just keeping him busy won't win this fight. I’ll need to think of a way to-

“ENOUGH” Suddenly, my vision went white. “FUCK THAT HURTS!” I yelled as I Instinctively jumped several spaces back. I felt several lenses shift in my eyes, and just as quick as it went, my vision came back.

“Dammit, where is he.”

“behind you”

My mana blades shot out as I twisted just in time to block the trident from piercing into my body. I dislodged my blade from his trident and started slashing at him. He twisted his trident easily blocking my strikes. That trident is nearly as big as me. How can he wield it so easily? It was like a part of him. I'm gonna have to do something here. Think Apollinaris think! Maybe if I…… I ducked down. Andre, seeing the opportunity, brought the trident down on my head. He fell for it.

A small wave appeared at my feet, darting me forward. His eyes bulged, but it was too late. I swung my arm upwards as Andre tried to dodge. My mana blades glowed bright green as they caught his clothes and drew thin red lines of blood down his arm.

“Dammit. How dare you” Suddenly, the trident made of water lost its shape.

“Hey! You said you wouldn-“

It was, too. Late, the trident extended and coiled itself around my body and dragged me to the ground. I tried to move, but the water restricted every movement, making it nearly impossible to move. I need to get out of this. Do I have any spells that can,

“That’s enough, apollinaris.” I looked towards him, and another large blue trident was pointed at my face.

“I think this match is mine.”

I gave him a dirty look before finally throwing in the towel

<YES BIG SIS!> I Looked to the side and watched as one of the nurses quickly ran in and fiddled with the control pad.

<All done!> The nurse quickly ran out. The faux blizzard stopped immediately; a red-hot heat soon flushed the room, returning it to the temperature. I felt Andre’s trident peel away from my body, allowing me to move again. Andre gave me his hand and pulled me upwards

“You did well there, apollinaris”

“I would have won if you didn’t cheat.”

“Cheat? No such thing as cheating on the battlefield. You do what you must to win, no matter how dirty or dishonourable it looks. Honour means nothing when you're 6ft under.”

He gave me his hand. I glared at him one more time before grabbing and letting him pull me up.

We walked toward the exit of the training room. The ice and snow were rapidly melting and draining into the ground. Seriously, this room is amazing. I kind of want to tear it apart to see. How it works.

“That was a good fight, Apollinaris. You are learning very quickly.”

“I still lost, though.”

“don’t sell yourself short.” He turned around and pointed to his torn and slightly bloody shirt.

“Not many could do this. You are much better than you realize.”

We headed back upstairs, and Before I realized it, we were back on the main floor and heading toward the kitchen.

“some pointers. That spell of yours, the shield. Does it use a lot of mana?”

“Yes. How could you tell?”

“the way you fought after you cast it. You were rushing to end the battle as soon as possible. I would avoid using it for that reason. Mana is a finite resource in a battle; unless you have a way to replace that, dont use spells that force you into uncomfortable positions. Additionally.”

“ I see.”

“Besides that, your battle awareness and combat ability have improved drastically enough so that I think we are ready for stage 2”

Andre sat around the kitchen table and pulled out a large red and white demon mask. The mask had 2 long ebony horns that curved upwards at the top of the mask.

“What.. what is this?” I asked Andre.

“You’re new alias. I’ve taken the liberty of entering you into a ... tournament of sort.”

“…….elaborate. now!”

“Woah, relax. I knew you would have some reservations about this, but you need proper fighting experience. Battling me will only get you so far. This friendly tournament will help you get plenty of experience.”

I looked towards the mask. This is ridiculous. I can’t just go and-

“it will also help you with your other goals. You said you wanted to find out who wanted to kill you. This is the best place to find out. Loads of “less than holy” people attend these events. If you network with the right people, you're bound to find info. And if that doesn’t motivate you. I hear the prize pool if you win is quite high this time around.”

“Money isn't an issue, Andre. Diva made sure of that. I'm just wondering, what’s in it for you Andre?”

“the satisfaction of seeing my pupil triumph over the weak.”

I gave him a deadpan stare. “Tell me the truth.”

He chuckled. “Having an underdog tournament-winning fighter is a great way to line your pockets and earn a few…..favours”

“Ahhh. So you are a degenerate gambler and an asshole schemer. ”

“I wouldn’t say that...”

I rolled my eyes despite his own personal gains. This tournament may not be a terrible idea. I need to get stronger, and if this tournament helps, how can I say no. I want to stand by Diva at her side. I can’t afford to not take a few risks here and there.

I picked up the mask and slid it on.

“Hahaha, I knew it would suit you. With your weird-looking jaw, you look like a demon. Ah, that reminds me, you're gonna need an alias. How about…. Kusamure.”

“kusa-what now?”

“I forget. You lived all your life in a forest. It’s a name from the Bisrin Empire, the nation that borders this one. If I'm correct, it means Plant Swarm. It’s a fitting name.”

“ is it now….”

I tightened the mask around my head. It was a perfect fit.

“How do I look.”

“Intimidating. Now that we got your alias sorted. Go and get some rest. The tournament starts tomorrow.”

“Why so soon?”I asked

“No time like the present, Apollinaris. Now do as your teacher instructs and go get some rest.” He ordered

“This is still my house ya’know. Don’t think you can go around bossing me around.”

Andre chuckled. “weird. I'm pretty sure it's Diva's name on the deed.”

*SMACK*

I threw a chair cushion towards his face.

“How very childish. Was that necessary?”

“Yes. Now get out. I think you’ve overstayed your welcome.”

“Hahah, as you wish. See you tomorrow “ One of the nurses pulled up by his side and “gently” nudged him towards the door. I waited until there was a soft bang of the main door closing.

<thank lord he’s gone.> Andre's a good teacher, but my god, can he be an annoying arse sometimes. I leaned back in my chair. A tournament, huh? This could be single-handedly the stupidest thing I've ever done, but I am a little excited. Getting some real experience will help me in the long term, win or lose. I'm sure I'll learn something; however, before I go, let's ensure everything is in order.

Suddenly, a large green menu erupted in my face. The menu hovered in front of my face like it was always meant to be there.

NAME:

Apollinaris Laskaris:

HEALTH: 900

STAMINA: 800

MP: 3,000

POINTS: 0

RACE :

Alvearix

TITLE:

(Queen’s consort)(Mana Adept)

ATTRIBUTES:

MIND: 80

BODY:20

SOUL:15

RECOVERY: 20

MAGIC:

Nature Magic

Nature manipulation

Seedstorm barrage

Nature bubble

Water Magic

Wave Walk.

Earth Magic

Soften ground

ABILITIES:

Venomous Mycogensis<MAX>

Prolific Sporluation<Lvl 1>

Mana Sac <lvl 1>

Adaptive Composite Eyes <MAX>

Mana Lens <MAX>

Mana absorbtion probes <MAX>

Resistances

Pain resistance (Moderate)

Cold Resistance (High)

Heat Resistance ( low)

Subordinates

MISC

ABILITY

SHOP

I looked over my status; it’s changed a little bit since I last saw it. One thing I noticed was that my body stat has increased drastically over the last few days. If I remember correctly, I started with a measly 5 points, and now I'm up to 20, and it shows. I'm not bragging, but I'm starting to see some nice abs. I wonder if Diva would like that? Speaking of Diva. I focused on the two titles I acquired when she turned me.

Queens Consort

Diva and, by proxy, the hive has chosen you to be her consort. May the empire you two create be a long and prosperous one.

(you are recognized by Diva and her hive. You can now give orders to the hive at a limited capacity. Additionally, your blood is now recognized as royalty.)

Mana Adept

Your understanding and use of mana are unbound, allowing you to have nearly seamless control of your magic.

(Your control and use of mana is peerless, allowing you to make and cast spells with great ease. WARNING: Any mana-controlling and perceiving skills are no longer available to you.)

The first one is great, except for the title. The word consort makes me feel old. However, being able to instruct the alvearix and ask for things to be built without Diva will be useful. She can't do it all alone as much as she believes she can.

The title Mana Adept has been a great boon to me. I've never found it so easy to just use mana like I do now. I have a few new spells that I've been working on without Andre. One of them is nearly ready; I just need some real-life practice.

I moved upstairs to get some rest, but I'll need it for tomorrow.

Evening the following day…..

<Big sis Apollinaris. I think you should tell Diva about this.> The royal fly under my shirt buzzed as the carriage trundled down the hidden road.

The fly cranked its head to the side. <Is that a problem?>

I let out a small chuckle. These little ones. <Trust me, it would be a very big problem…. But you are right. Letting her know is the best thing. ill speak to her.>

I shook my head. <Let me try. I can't rely on you to do it forever.>

I closed my eyes. Diva mentioned a while back about the weave that links every member of the hive together, so that means I should be able to…..

Suddenly, I felt my melt and became one with the weave. Dozens of threads made up the weave, some close, some very far away; however, they all moved in the same direction. Up to one singular point, my mind flowed up the threads, moving miles and miles within moments until I finally reached the singular point. It was like a glowing aura of light that commanded the attention of everything attached to it.

<Here goes nothing> I pressed my mind against, and suddenly the light rippled.

<Apollinaris? Is that you?>

<Diva? Yes! Yes, it is.>

The light suddenly grew brightly and enveloped me, and suddenly, I was seeing things through her eyes. She was flying high in the sky. She was searching for something. But what?

<Above the forest, I'm trying to find that bastard city of pure spirits. But nothing; how the hell can you hide an entire city?.> Her voice was dripping with frustration. Just how long had she been searching?

<Diva. You wont find it conventionally the city uses some ancient magic to hide itself. Not even the two nations that border it could find it.>

Diva nodded and flew as I guided her. Thankfully, her sense of direction and speed is amazing, and in a few moments, we were there.

<5 HOURS! Diva, you didn’t need to. At all.>

< You are right. But I wanted to. I'll place a scout here when they are born to keep an eye on things. Hopefully, another person will get smuggled out.>

She turned around and started flying back. I can't believe out of the blue she decided to do this. Dammit, Diva. And to think I wasn’t gonna tell you about the tournament im a fool.

<ah…. Well.> the words caught in my throat. Why is this so difficult?

<Hey. What's up? Is everything all right? Are you in danger? Do I need to come ove->

<NO!> She stopped immediately. Maybe it's because I'm in her mind, but her emotions are so strong here. I can FEEL her worry for me. I felt her presence wear off, allowing me to get my words out.

< I've entered a tournament. A fighting tournament.>

<Diva, do you remember why I asked you to leave everything here alone to me.>

I closed the connection and found myself alone in the carriage. That went a lot better than expected. It’s nice knowing that someone cares so much about you, and the only other person who cared as much was my mom.

Memories flashed of the past and how, despite her work she would always try her best to make me happy. She could have easily just thrown me to the side, but she didn’t. She loved me all the way to the bitter, undeserved end. That is also the reason why I have to get stronger. I won't sit there again and watch as those bastards' pure spirits keep taking and taking. I won't. I will get them back for what they did. Every single one of them. None of them are innocent! I won't stop till the existence of pure spirits is just a memory.

The carriage screeched to a stop. The oak door swung open as I stepped out of it. Just in front of me was a heavy iron door sunk into a rocky cave wall. 2 large men blocked the entrance.

< It's not really a secret entrance if you have 2 large mountains guarding it.>

I took a deep breath and walked towards the men. A loud neigh of a horse hit my ears, signalling the departure of my chariot. So it’s just me out here.

“Halt!”

I stopped dead in my tracks just in front of the men.

“State your name.”

“Kusamure.”

The man reached into his back pocket and pulled out a large scroll. His eyes scanned the paper for a brief moment before nodding.

“she’s on the list.”

“Thank you. “I stepped forward when suddenly a large arm blocked my path.

“security check. It will only take a few moments.”

His large gorilla hands patted me down from head to toe. I ignored the extra time he spent patting around my ass.

“all clear. She has no weapons.”

“No weapons?” the other guard chimed. “How very brave of her.”

Wait, what does that mean?

Before I could ask, the guard pushed open the door and ushered me through into a winding tunnel. Just what have I got myself into. I followed the path down; soon, the sounds of music and talking started to hit my eardrums. Sounds like there are a lot of people here. I kept walking, and the noises got louder and louder to the point I could start making out some of the conversations.

I kept on walking until finally I arrived in front of a wooden door. I took one last deep. Breath before pushing it open

As soon as the door swung open, I was assaulted with music, alcohol and bright flashing lights. What felt like hundreds of people littered the room. However, these people were not normal. All of them were wearing some sort of armour or carrying some sort of weapon or magical staff. This is a combat tournament. Could this mean that all of these people ar-

“GYAGGHHAAA!” My balance went as I fell face first into the ground, or more accurately, some asshole pushed me.

“Well, well, well. I did not expect one of your kind so far away from your shithole you call a home.”

I didn’t need to turn around. I can tell from the arrogant tone this was a pure spirit. I felt an old dormant anger boil from deep inside me, but I kept it bottled up. I can't give them the satisfaction. I quickly picked myself up to my feet and continued walking. To think they would find me so quic-

“Hey! Bitch. DON’T IGNORE YOUR BETTERS”

I felt his hand approach me again. Not this time. Quickly, I turned around and grabbed it. And twisted it. A loud, wimpy yelp came from him. Definitely the pure spirit. His bright blue eyes, pale skin tone and stupid blonde hair screamed it aloud. That and his stupid, pretentious look. God, I hate these bastards, every single fucking one of them! Seeing them just makes me want to-

I felt my fist reel back.

“You forget pure spirit we are not in the city. Your status doesn’t mean shit!”

I sent my fist hurtling towards him, but before It hit, I felt something coming fast towards me.

I dropped his arm and lept back just in time to see a bolt of purple magic. My head twisted to the right, and there she was, another pure spirit, her face twisted in anger. Trust me bitch, the feeling is mutual.

“Unhand him, you filthy creature.”

“He should learn to keep his hands to himself!”

“Your kind…… talking back……unforgivable. YOU SHOULD ALL BE CULLED FOR ALL I CARE”

Another bolt of purple magic was readied. I did the same with my nature magic. A small crowd of people had gathered to watch the fight. Don’t get too excited. I'm gonna make this as quick and painful as they deserve. Franky, a quick death is too generous. You lot didn’t give my mother that luxury. I thought back to the night of her pleas for help, her anguished screams.

“I. WILL.KILL. YOU.ALL.”

The nature mana in my hand flared, illuminating everyone in bright green light. The lady's eyes bulged with fear.

“You… you can't be.”

“EUAGHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!” A loud roar hit my eardrums. I dropped my bolt of mana and leapt up and backwards just in time for the man from earlier to fly past underneath me. In his hand was a golden sword glazed with jewels. God, could these guys be any more pretentious! The man skidded to a stop next to the girl.

“You… you. I will end you, that’s for sure.” The man screamed.

“You will try….” I replied as 2 blades of mana shot out of my hand.

“HOLD UP! When did you two get the monopoly on mushy killing?”

I looked to the side and saw a pure spirit the size of a mountain walking through the crowd, accompanied by a smaller, timid, pure spirit hiding behind the big one.

“I’ve dreamed of crushing a mushy with my Warhammer. To think I would get that opportunity here.”

The man reached behind his back and detached the large mallet he called a Warhammer.

“Oh, please. You won't be even able to hit me.” Mana shot to my feet, and suddenly, water started to swirl around me. 4 on 1 is stupid, but I can't just let these people walk away. I just can't!

The mountain charged towards me. I did the same on a small wave of water. Here it goes! I sent mana to my arms, causing faint blades of mana to shoot out of me.

“Here I come!”

“DIE MUSHY”

I raised my blade up when suddenly a large blue electrified wall appeared in front of me. I tried to stop the wave, but was too late. I smacked head-first into it. I lost control of my body. Every nerve was acting wildly, causing me to convulse on the floor. A loud, pained groan hit my ears, signalling the same was happening to the giant. Just what is this wall!?

“Kusamure, Torg. That’s enough!”

I managed to look up to see an old man in ruby robes float down.

“Fighting is prohibited before the tournament. Anyone caught attacking another will be penalized. Save your blood lust for the upcoming battle.”

With a flash, he disappeared along with his blue shield. I slowly stood to my feet and looked towards the 4 pure spirits. Rage filled my heart. I wanted to slaughter them there and then. But I kept it bottled up again.

“Kusa-whatever. Count your last moments and make peace with whatever bullshit god you believe in. Because I, Vidura, will ensure you never leave here alive.” The blonde-haired dumbass threatened.

“The thought is mutual. Make peace with yourselves. All of you and those retched pure spirits at “home”. You will all meet your more than deserved wretched fates. That I promise you.”

Before I could take a step away. A large horn sounded out throughout the hall. And a large blue screen made of mana materialised above everyone. On the screen was a black-haired lady wearing thick-rimmed glasses

“The 1st part of the tournament has commenced. Please stand by as we explain the rules.”